Kusuda Syrah 2012

Region: Martinborough, New Zealand

Grape: Syrah

Vineyard Practice: Sustainable

Culinary Suggestions: Chargrilled Lamb, Duck Breast with Berry Reduction, Aged Gouda

Alcohol: 13%

Bottle Size: 750ml

Overview

Kusuda Wines, located in Martinborough, New Zealand, was founded in 2001 by Hiroyuki Kusuda, a former Tokyo lawyer who pursued his passion for winemaking by studying oenology in Germany. Kusuda moved to New Zealand to craft wines of exceptional quality, and his meticulous approach in the vineyard and winery quickly gained attention. Every grape at Kusuda is handpicked with great precision, often with workers individually inspecting and handling each grape—an unusual level of care that reflects Kusuda's dedication to purity and detail.

Specializing in Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Riesling, Kusuda Wines are known for their elegance, balance, and remarkable depth, showcasing Martinborough’s unique terroir. Kusuda’s wines are produced in small quantities, and their limited availability, combined with their high quality, has garnered international acclaim. Each vintage reflects Hiro Kusuda’s philosophy of minimal intervention, aiming to create wines that are authentic expressions of both varietal and place.

Hiroyuki Kusuda’s 2012 Syrah captures the meticulous craftsmanship for which Kusuda Wines has become world-renowned. Known for his tireless attention to detail, Kusuda’s hand-harvested and hand-sorted approach yields wines of extraordinary clarity, mirroring the Martinborough terroir. Set on gravelly soils that lend a distinct minerality, the vineyard benefits from a cool climate and long ripening period, conditions that allow the Syrah to develop exceptional aromatic depth while retaining its signature freshness.

The 2012 vintage reflects Martinborough’s ideal growing season, where balanced conditions yielded small, concentrated berries and a naturally low yield. The result is a Syrah marked by elegance and vibrancy, a wine that honours both Kusuda’s minimalist winemaking philosophy and the inherent character of the region. Aged in French oak, the wine displays a polished structure, layered complexity, and a seamless integration of flavours.